How the ENERGY STAR® Label Saves You Money
The ENERGY STAR® Program leads American consumers and businesses to verifiable energy-efficient products. The ENERGY STAR® label alerts buyers about products which reduce utility bills— and greenhouse emissions.
Cleaner air and cheaper energy bills— that’s a win/win for everyone.
Origins of the ENERGY STAR® Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the ENERGY STAR® as a volunteer program to reduce air pollution. In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the EPA launched ENERGY STAR® in 1992. The first ENERGY STAR® labels appeared on computer equipment in 1993.
Today ENERGY STAR® labels grace energy-efficient computer and office equipment, major appliances, and building products.
How Products Earn the ENERGY STAR® Label
What does ENERGY STAR® mean? Companies seeking the ENERGY STAR® seal of approval for their products are submitted to third party testing. The EPA developed the criteria for the tests and maintains a list of EPA approved laboratories. Once a product passes initial testing and receives ENERGY STAR® certification, it still must maintain its status. “Off-the-shelf” testing continues annually to confirm the product continues to meet EPA guidelines.
Is the ENERGY STAR® Program Working?
Energy use in homes and business structures belches out 66% of greenhouse emissions in the U.S. Reducing energy usage in homes and buildings marks the straightest path to cleaner air.
Since its inception, ENERGY STAR® has accomplished the following:
- Over 5 billion energy-efficient products sold in 70 different categories
- Saved homeowners and businesses over $300 billion on utilities
- Saves enough energy annually to power 10 million American homes
- Reduced greenhouse emissions by more than 2 billion metric tons
- Reduces enough greenhouse emission annually equal to removing 12 million cars from the roadways
According to the DOE, our homes and businesses consume about $1 million of energy per minute. If every home and business in U.S. switched to ENERGY STAR® certified products, Americans could save an estimated $100 billion per year on energy costs
Rebates and Tax Incentives
Purchasing ENERGY STAR® products often offers additional savings in the form of rebates and tax incentives. Investigate what incentives are available in your area at the ENERGY STAR® website. Just type your zip code and the type of appliance for a list of rebates. Also, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency® for savings.
Save Energy and Save Money with Steel Buildings
Well-insulated, eco-friendly steel buildings and homes also cut energy bills. RHINO’s Pro-Value insulation system reduces air-conditioning and heating costs by as much as 50%.
Steel buildings are green buildings. Environmentally friendly metal buildings boast the highest recycled rate of any material. Steel buildings last longer and retain their value and beauty better than other construction methods.
When building your next home of business, frame with RHINO and choose energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® appliances and building products. You will save money— and we will all breathe easier.
Call RHINO Steel Building right now at 940.383.9566 for a free quote and more information on our strong, affordable, durable, and eco-friendly steel buildings.